HAIKOU -- Experts from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan on Tuesday called for deeper cooperation between the two sides in the South China Sea at a seminar held in the southernmost island province of Hainan.

Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said at the seminar that two sides should set up a cooperative mechanism to facilitate search and rescue operations for fishermen who become lost at sea.

Wu said rescue bases should be established on several islands, including Taiping Island, the Xisha and Dongsha Islands.

Wu said the mainland and Taiwan should enhance cooperation in scientific research and other matters in the South China Sea.

Over 50 experts and scholars attended the 10th Cross-Strait Workshop on the South China Sea Issue, advocating closer cooperation between the two sides.

The two-day seminar started on Tuesday in Haikou, capital of Hainan.

The annual cross-Strait seminar was established in 2002 and is sponsored by the institute and Taiwan's Chengchi University. Hainan and Taiwan take turns hosting the seminar.